Can swollen iPod touch 1st gen explode?

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Level 1

9 points

Can swollen iPod touch 1st gen explode?

I have a first generation 16 GB iPod touch from late 2007. When charging it last week I noticed after about half an hour that the touch is swollen on top and bottom and bulging about 2 mm on top, so that the glass is pushed out in the middle. The round button at the bottom of the iPod is wedged in and does not work anymore.

Can the iPod explode if I continue charging/using it connected to my computer?

Does anybody else had that problem with early models?

I went to an Apple store, but they could not advise me to use or not use the iPod. I should make an appointment with a "Genius", however, they told me that they don't repair iPods. So, how much use would that be? It does not properly work and they won't repair it, nor would they tell me if I can use it.

Powerbook G4 15", Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Oct 26, 2009 11:26 AM

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Answer 1

Oct 26, 2009 1:46 PM in response to sbueltmann

I certainly wouldn't risk using it, or plugging it into anything.

It sounds to me as though the battery has split inside, which is not a good thing.

It's true that Apple don't 'repair' iPods, they just replace them with a refurbished model. But, if you don't have a current extended warranty then I'm afraid you'll be faced with buying a new one.

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Answer 2

Oct 26, 2009 3:34 PM in response to sbueltmann

Apple has an Out-of-Warranty Service: If your iPod requires service for any other hardware failure that is determined by Apple to be repairable, Apple will service your iPod for the Out-of-Warranty Repair Service fee. http://www.apple.com/support/ipod/service/faq/#warranty6

Here's the price list: http://www.apple.com/support/ipod/service/prices/#us

If Apple determines that an iPod is not repairable, for example, if it has failed due catastrophic damage or the iPod has been disassembled into multiple pieces, then Out-of-Warranty Service is not available.

The only way to know if your iPod is repairable is to have an Apple Retail Store genius look at it. Make an appointment to save your time: http://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/

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Answer 3

sbueltmann Author

Level 1

9 points

Oct 26, 2009 6:05 PM in response to Jim VanLeeuwen

Thanks for the replies.

It basically comes down to two possibilities how Apple reacts.

Either they produce some shoddy products or their products are fairly reliable, but can have once in a while a manufacturing flaw due to improper workmanship or substandard parts.
In the second case, they can either stand behind their product and replace it, or they don't care about their products (or users).

This all assumes, that the expected life time for an iPod is more than two years.

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Answer 4

Lyssa

Level 8

41,405 points

Oct 26, 2009 7:38 PM in response to sbueltmann

What you're looking at here is what I call a stroke of bad luck.

The iPod you're using may have had a problem that wasn't caught during testing.

None of us here can really help you; it's up to the folks at Apple.

Bring the iPod in, talk to a Genius, and be prepared to talk for a while. If you haven't abused the iPod (dropping it, allowing water to come in contact with it, etc), that's going to work in your favor.

I'm not sure what the weather is like where you are, but if your iPod was outside during cold weather, then brought back into a warm building, condensation could have formed inside the device and this could cause problems. I'm not sure if the results would be what you're seeing.

~Lyssa

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Answer 5

sbueltmann Author

Level 1

9 points

Oct 29, 2009 10:52 AM in response to Lyssa

Had an appointment with a Genius. They exchanged my touch for a new one without discussion. Thanks a bunch to Apple.

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